Rock Band DLC Review

Now that I have some time off for the holidays, I’ve finally had a chance to play some of the tracks I’ve downloaded for Rock Band throughout the year. I even broke out the drums for a few songs, but I’m only a medium drummer.

Rock Band DLC

Blink-182’s “What’s My Age Again” is a strong song for both guitar and bass, with just plain lots of notes to hit on either end. Drumming too offers an almost melodic pattern in the rhythm. Even on medium, pedal beats and blue pads come at comfortable times to break up the red/yellow pattern.

The Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian” doesn’t have as much guitar as you might think. What it does have are the hooks, so you get your fixes after some pauses where it’s all rhythm and talking.

From the KISS track pack, “Deuce” has a fun drum section with a fair share of green notes, and alternating sections with comfortable yet fun rhythms. Jackson Five’s “ABC” also changes up the standard red/yellow beats with subtle shifts in the note tracking, and subtler changes in the pedal beat. From Queen, “I Want to Break Free” also has a drum section that sounds like the song, not just a series of beats.

From the Spinal Tap collection, “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight” is different from its Guitar Hero counterpart, but still feels like the melody you know. “Stonehenge” is about three different songs in one.

Finally, at least for today, Weezer’s “Pork and Beans” is full of guitar and bass notes. I actually got 100% on bass just by finding the groove. It’s one of their simpler songs, but not easy. Just stay focused on all the notes.